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Branchenguide
Test Drive Denza N7: The Benz from BYD
Once upon a time, "Denza" was a 50:50 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and BYD, hence the name inspired by "Benz." However, "Benz" sold 40% to BYD, resulting in a 10:90 stake now. Following an initially euphoric start, "Denza" experienced a rapid decline, leading BYD to a swift decision point: keep, sell, or discontinue? They opted for the first option and introduced new models, which they are also bringing to Europe. The question now is not whether, but how they will do it, according to an insider.
So, Denza is positioned above BYD, and the N7 is, broadly speaking, a variant of the BYD Seal, which already leans towards premium in its appearance. And now it gets intricate: The N7 indeed offers noticeably better quality in details, more restrained looks, a more elegant design, a tidier infotainment system, and greets you with correspondingly fine tones – not kitschy, but subtly elegant. This makes it closer to Europeans and Benz in its setting compared to the BYD Seal.
1.6 meters in height create space in the rear and for a tailgate
At 4.86 meters in length, it is positioned between EQC and EQE, offering a practical tailgate and 480 to 1,200 liters of trunk volume. Additionally, there's a frunk. The backrest can only be folded down 60:40, and the rear seat assembly cannot be moved longitudinally, but here, elegance takes precedence over practicality. Either way, thanks to a 2,940 mm wheelbase, even a person measuring 1.9 meters can find good space on all seats. And since the N7 stands 1,602 mm tall, it is more of a CUV than a sedan, which also aids in headroom in the rear. Besides the welcome tone, the neutral smell is also pleasant. And: Chinese people appreciate elegant (imitation) leather surfaces as well as wood and fabric, so in our opinion, something akin to "Benz-like" coziness emerges in the Denza.
Blade battery and decent ranges
It’s all over when you step on the accelerator in sport mode: 160 kW at the front and 230 kW at the rear hit the wheels – 390 kW is equivalent to 530 hp. Which is enough for the obligatory “under four seconds,” precisely 3.9 – to reach 100 km/h, before being limited at 180 km/h. The Blade battery coming from BYD, offering 91.3 kWh, is expected to provide up to 570 km range according to the CLTC cycle, which would correspond to a consumption of around 16 kWh/100 km. We actually estimate a range closer to 400 km plus or minus x, but in the initial rounds, the N7 proved to be quite economical. So, we realistically rate it at 18 to 22 kWh/100 km depending on weather and driving profile, as long as it’s not driven too hard or too conservatively.
The operation proved to be Tesla-oriented but clear with fast processing times and many setting options, but at least in logical submenus. Of course, there are several background landscapes for the central screen, and the passenger has a screen of their own...
When it comes to charging, they might as well upgrade AC from 7 to 11 and 22 kW; DC should work with a charging port of up to 150 kW, with two ports of up to 230 kW. A port with 200 kW would actually be preferred here...
Just like the driving behavior could be a bit crisper: Suspension and damping work diligently and unobtrusively, but not inspiringly. The same applies to the steering, which could be a bit more direct and firmer. But the China-Benz also sticks to the original here and prefers comfort over stress.
What does this mean?
Assuming that the BYD Seal AWD starts at 50,990 euros gross, we estimate the N7 to be more like 53,990 or 54,990 euros – cheaper than a Benz, but more expensive than a BYD... it works as an alternative to both. And here we follow the insider: it’s not a question of whether the Denza N7 works in Germany, but rather how it does so.
Translated automatically from German.
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